By: Problyn J. Alpha
The Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Honorable Justice Komba Kamanda, accompanied by over ten Justices from the Court of Appeal, High Court, and Supreme Court, as well as senior management staff from the judiciary, officially commissioned the newly refurbished Sefadu Magistrate Court at D.O. Barracks in Koidu City, Kono District.
In a welcoming address, the Paramount Chief of Fiama Chiefdom, Hon. Kontanday Mbriwa, described the commissioning of the court as a landmark event that will significantly improve the judiciary’s operations, thereby enhancing peace and stability in the district. He emphasized that paramount chiefs play a key role in maintaining law and order in their chiefdoms.
While expressing gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for appointing one of their own, Chief Justice Kamanda, to such an esteemed office, Chief Mbriwa also raised concerns about the removal of local courts from the jurisdiction of traditional rulers. He stressed that local courts are vital to justice at the grassroots level and appealed to the Chief Justice to reconsider this change, allowing paramount chiefs to continue overseeing these courts.
On behalf of his colleagues, Chief Mbriwa pledged their full support for the smooth operation of the judiciary in Kono District. The local Unit Commanders of the Tankoro and Motema police divisions, Chief Superintendents Fayia David Joshua and Mohamed Turay, also expressed their appreciation for the refurbishment of the court, stating that it would undoubtedly enhance justice in the district. They pledged to provide adequate security for the court, its staff, and its equipment, emphasizing the importance of community policing to ensure the facility’s long-term success. Similar sentiments were echoed by representatives from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Sefadu Correctional Centre.
During the official commissioning, Chief Justice Kamanda thanked all those present, particularly his colleagues and judiciary staff, for attending the ceremony. He expressed pride in being able to commission the court in his hometown, noting that this was the first time a team of Justices had traveled to the province for such an event. He acknowledged their support and emphasized the importance of the newly refurbished Sefadu Magistrate Court.
Chief Justice Kamanda underscored the significance of the court’s facelift, stating that without justice, there can be no development, peace, or rule of law. “When I assumed office, my plan was to implement reforms in the judiciary and enhance access to justice across the country,” he remarked. He stressed that for sustainable development, justice must be accessible to everyone.
The refurbishment of the Sefadu Magistrate Court is part of his ongoing reforms. Before his appointment by President Bio, Kono District lacked a resident judge, and judges only visited the district, which negatively impacted the delivery of justice and contributed to overcrowding at the correctional centre. In response to a request from the paramount chiefs in Kono, the Chief Justice appointed a resident judge and magistrate to the district to address these issues. He also shared that similar improvements have been made in Mile 91, where, until recently, there was no magistrate court.
To further ease access to justice, the Chief Justice revealed plans to hold magistrate court sittings rotationally across Kono District. This initiative aims to reduce the economic burden on litigants, particularly those who have to travel long distances to attend court.
Before officially cutting the ribbon on the newly refurbished Sefadu Magistrate Court, the Chief Justice condemned the imprisonment of individuals convicted for minor offenses, such as the use of abusive language or common altercations, emphasizing that imprisonment should be reserved for serious crimes.
The ceremony was also attended by the Sierra Leone Police Brass Band and other dignitaries, marking a significant milestone for the district’s justice system.